The construction of aggregation-induced charge transfer emission systems in aqueous solution directed by supramolecular strategy

Abstract

Novel aggregation-induced charge transfer (CT) emission systems with long luminescence lifetime directed by supramolecular strategy have been successfully developed in water. The dimethylacridine-based electron donor (BrAc) with excellent aggregation ability can co-aggregate with a triazine-based electron acceptor (TRZ) to form nanorods in water, which exhibit CT emission with long lifetime (τ = 0.92 µs). As for a similar electron donor (QaAc) with poor aggregation ability, water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) can be introduced to promote the aggregation process, leading to the obvious CT emission with long lifetime (τ = 0.61 µs). In addition, structural modification of the acceptor with substituent groups possessing stronger electron-accepting capabilities will cause red-shift (about 50 nm) of the emission, which allows conveniently constructing long lifetime organic luminescent materials with different emission colors.